Spotting an endangered species in the wild is a rare treat. Many people live their entire lives without such an experience. So you may be wondering...if you’re after such a unique encounter, is there any way you can give yourself a better chance? How can you discover where Thailand’s rarest animals live? As wildlife lovers ourselves, we want to help. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of 6 locations where you can spot endangered species in the wild.

1. Wang Nam Khiao (wild guar)

Located just outside the eastern boundary of Thailand’s oldest national park, Khao Yai, Wang Nam Khiao is home to wild guar. Also known as an Indian Bison, the wild guar is the tallest species of wild cattle. To catch a glimpse of this endangered animal, you’ll have to journey to the area around Khao Phaeng Ma mountain, where herds of 90 or so wild guar frequent.

2. Khao Sam Roi Yot (fishing cats)

This small national park, located just shy of 4 hours from Bangkok, is known for its stunning limestone karsts that can be seen from nearly every corner of the reserve. Fishing cats, a medium sized wildcat that looks similar to a small leopard, call this scenic setting home. And, like the name implies, fishing cats love to fish. So your best chance of spotting this endangered feline is in the parks wetlands or along one of the many rivers or streams.

3. Mae Kampong (white handed gibbons)

55km north of Chiang Mai is the small village of Mae Kampong and the site of a gibbon rehabilitation reserve: Flight of the Gibbon. Years ago, the owners of this attraction found a pair of Thailand gibbons in a cage, and then set them free in the area. Around them they built what today is the country’s most famous ziplining operation. Your best chance of seeing these beautiful primates is to swing through the treetops with them, on the ziplines. Many visitors who come to Flight of the Gibbon catch a glimpse of these endangered animals, but if you don’t, you're sure to hear their famous hoots and howls as you soar through the tropical canopy.

4. Huai Kha Khaeng (red-headed vulture)

This wildlife sanctuary in Thailand’s northwest region is home to the endangered red-headed vulture. Aptly named, this predatory bird looks similar to a normal vulture, but with a featherless head that is deep red to orange in color. The best places to spot them are along the river (as they’re searching for carcasses) or at one of the salt licks located around the sanctuary.

5. Khao Sok (pangolin)

Just north of Phuket in the south of Thailand, Khao Sok’s 700+ square kilometer national park is covered by the world’s oldest evergreen rainforest. And if you’re lucky, you may just spot one of the park’s rarest inhabitants: a small scaly animal known as a pangolin. While it’s possible to see this peculiar looking mammal here, note it will be challenging as pangolins are nocturnal creatures, typically most active at night.

6. Kaeng Krachan (siamese crocodile)

Tucked away on the border of Burma, Thailand’s largest national park is located roughly 3 hours from Bangkok. Here you’ll find the endangered Siamese crocodile. This fresh water croc is known for its broad, smooth snout and can grow up to 2.1 meters in length. Best place to catch a glimpse of this magnificent reptile is along the banks of the Phetchaburi river, where it nests.

If you’re looking to have a bit of fun on your quest to spot endangered species, why not give Flight of the Gibbon a try? Not only do you have an exceptional chance of seeing wild gibbons, but you’ll also have a memorable experience ziplining through the treetops of a virgin rainforest. Contact us today at email to learn more.

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One of the Highlights of our Thailand Trip!

This was one of our highlights from Thailand. When we booked it we were worried it was overpriced but it was definitely worth every penny! There were loads of zipwires where you see the jungle in all its glory. We saw stunning views while flying through the air. We saw gibbons which was great and our three sky rangers were brilliant...